Constellation Cup Game 1 Preview
Friday 17 October 2025 – John Cain Arena, Melbourne
The Constellation Cup is back - and with it, one of the fiercest rivalries in world netball reignites. The Australian Diamonds host the New Zealand Silver Ferns in the opening clash of the 2025 series at John Cain Arena in Melbourne. With both nations having recently faced South Africa - Australia dominant in a convincing series win, and New Zealand still finding rhythm after a shaky Taini Jamison Trophy campaign - this matchup is set to reveal where the trans-Tasman balance of power truly sits.
It’s a battle of stability versus transition: the Diamonds are settled and sharp, while the Ferns are adjusting to off-court turbulence and new-look combinations across all thirds.
Diamonds Shooters vs Silver Ferns Defence
Australia’s shooting quartet of Kiera Austin, Sophie Garbin, Georgie Horjus, and Cara Koenen offers a diverse range of options - from Austin’s silky long-range precision to Garbin’s power hold and Koenen’s smart baseline movement. Horjus adds flexibility, capable of swinging into wing attack if needed, giving the Diamonds a tactical edge.
They’ll be tested by a Ferns defensive trio led by captain Karin Burger, supported by Catherine Hall and Kelly Jackson. Burger’s combination of aerial reach and timing makes her one of the most disruptive defenders in world netball. Hall, strong on body and footwork, and Jackson, with her long arms and excellent timing, will need to limit Australia’s feed speed - particularly from captain Liz Watson, who remains the metronome of the Diamonds’ attack.
There’s an interesting subplot here too: Burger is set to join the Sunshine Coast Lightning in 2026, where she’ll line up with Koenen, Courtney Bruce and Watson rather than trying to shut them down. But for now, new club friendships are firmly on hold. Jackson too is off to the Queensland Firebirds next year, so will no doubt be sizing up her Vixens and Lightning opponents.
Midcourt Match-Up: Engine Rooms Collide
The midcourt contest will be fierce and fast. For the Diamonds, Watson, Kate Moloney, Amy Parmenter, and Jamie-Lee Price bring world-class balance - a blend of experience, intensity, and polish. Horjus may also see time in wing attack, adding a touch of creativity to Australia’s structure.
The Silver Ferns, meanwhile, have a mix of defensive grit and attacking flair through Maddy Gordon, Kate Heffernan, Kimiora Poi, Mila Reuelu-Buchanan, and Peta Toeava. Toeava’s ability to open space with deceptive feeds will be vital to connecting with her shooters, while Heffernan and Gordon’s defensive coverage will be key to slowing Watson’s influence.
Gordon and Heffernan will undoubtedly relish the opportunity to play against the Aussies and get some early practice in for their 2026 clashes as Gordon also joins the Firebirds and Heffernan is off to the Adelaide Thunderbirds next season.
Both midcourts love to attack with speed - but the difference could come down to discipline. The Diamonds’ combination has years of cohesion behind it, while the Ferns are still developing synergy after several new rotations in recent months.
Silver Ferns Shooters vs Diamonds Defence
Up front, New Zealand will pin much of their hopes on Grace Nweke, who looked back to her dominant best in bursts during the South Africa series. Her combination with Amelia Walmsley offers a twin-tower threat, with newly-capped Martina Salmon and Georgia Heffernan adding variety and movement around the circle.
They’ll face a world-class Australian defensive unit anchored by Courtney Bruce, Sarah Klau, Sunday Aryang, and Matilda Garrett. Bruce and Klau’s partnership continues to thrive; they suffocate space, force risky feeds, and pounce on turnover ball. Garrett’s recent excellent form adds depth and punch from the bench, while Aryang’s speed and timing provide the perfect counter to New Zealand’s tall targets.
If the Ferns’ midcourt can deliver clean, confident ball into Nweke early, they’ll be a threat. But if Bruce and Klau can disrupt that rhythm, the Diamonds’ transition game will punish them on the counter-attack.
Off-Court Drama: Taurua and the Coaching Cloud
It’s impossible to preview this series without mentioning the turbulence surrounding the Silver Fern’s coaching situation. They enter this Constellation Cup under a storm of uncertainty. Former head coach Noeline Taurua - the mastermind behind their 2019 World Cup triumph - was sensationally stood down just before the Taini Jamison Trophy series, and remains in an ongoing “discussion” with Netball New Zealand about her future.
The situation has left the team without clear leadership and a with a cloud of instability at a critical point in their cycle. Interim coaching arrangements and a lack of clarity around Taurua’s position have inevitably affected preparation and morale. For a group trying to rebuild confidence, it’s a challenging backdrop to walk into the cauldron of John Cain Arena.
The players will be desperate to put the noise behind them and show the netball world why they’re here - with some high-quality, passionate netball.
What to Expect
The Diamonds will start hot favourites - playing at home, coming off consistent form, and boasting established combinations across the court. Their structured, relentless style under Stacey Marinkovich looks finely tuned.
For the Ferns, this is about pride and resilience. They’ll need Burger to lead from the back, Nweke to dominate the circle, and their slick midcourt to hold composure under relentless pressure.
If New Zealand can start strong and disrupt Australia’s rhythm early, this could be a closer contest than many expect. Expect a physical, tactical battle - one that could set the tone for the entire series.
Centre pass: 7:30pm AEDT | 6:30pm AEST | 9:30pm NZDT, Friday 17 October
Venue: John Cain Arena, Melbourne (Wurundjeri Country)
Broadcast: Fox Netball & Kayo (AUS) | Sky Sport (NZ)
